Agam 16 Upang 05 Surya Pragnapti Sutra Part 01 Sthanakvasi - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the provided pages from the Surya Pragnapti Sutra, Part 01, authored by Ghasilal Maharaj and published by A B Shwetambar Sthanakvasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti. The text focuses on the rules and regulations associated with the study (swadhyay) of this Jain scripture.

I. Introduction and Auspicious Beginnings:

Page 1: Begins with the sacred Jain mantra, the Navkar Mahamantra (Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhantam, etc.), which is considered the most auspicious of all auspicious things and destroys all sins.
Page 2: Introduces the "Jain Agam Prakashan Yojana" (Jain Agam Publication Scheme) in honor of Acharya Shri Ghasilalji Maharaj. It mentions Shri Chandra P. Doshi (Ph.D.) as the organizer and provides the website www.jainagam.com.
Page 3: Displays the title "Shri Suryapragnaapti Sutra: Bhag-01" along with the logo of the publication.
Page 4: Mentions that the work is enriched with the commentary "Suryagyaapti Prakashika" composed by Jainacharya-Jaindharmadivakar-Pujyashri Ghasilalji Maharaj. It also notes the Hindi-Gujarati language translation and the appointment of Pandit Muni Shri Kanahaiyalalji Maharaj as the supervisor. The publisher is identified as Shri A.B. Shwetambar Sthanakvasi Jain Shastroddhara Samiti, Ahmedabad, with details of the first edition, print run, publication year, and price.
Page 5: Published by Shri Akhil Bharat S. S. Jain Shastroddhara Samiti, Ahmedabad. It includes a Sanskrit verse with its Hindi and Gujarati translation, emphasizing the cyclical nature of time and the eventual emergence of like-minded individuals. The publication details are reiterated.

II. Rules for Study (Swadhyay) and Prohibited Times (Aswadhyaya):

The core of the provided text lays out specific rules for studying the original text (mul path) of the Surya Pragnapti Sutra. These rules are detailed and categorize prohibited times and circumstances (Aswadhyaya Prasanga).

Page 6 & 8 (First Point):
- Permitted Study Times: The original text (mul path) of the sutra should be studied during the first and fourth quarters of both day and night.
- Prohibited Times: Study is prohibited during Ushakala (dawn), Sandhyakala (dusk), midday, and midnight for two Ghadis (48 minutes each). Specifically, 24 minutes before sunrise and 24 minutes after sunrise are considered prohibited.
Page 6 & 8 (Second Point):
- Prohibition for Women: Women in their menstrual period should not study the text, nor should they be present while it is being studied. Study should occur in a room where such women are absent.
Page 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 (Detailed Prohibitions - 32 Aswadhyaya Prasanga): The text lists 32 specific instances or conditions under which study is prohibited, categorized into two main groups:
- (1) Related to the Sky (Akash Sambandhi - 10 instances):
  1. Ulkapat (Falling Stars): Prohibited for 1 Pahar (3 hours) during a meteor shower.
  2. Digdaha (Directional Burning): Prohibited if a direction appears excessively red or if a large fire is seen in a direction.
  3. Garjarav (Thunder): Prohibited for 2 Pahars (6 hours) if there is frightening thunder from clouds or significant lightning.
  4. Nirdhat (Celestial Roar): Prohibited for 8 Pahars (24 hours) if there is a dreadful roar caused by celestial beings (Vyantara devas) or thunderous sounds accompanying lightning.
  5. Vidyut (Lightning): Prohibited for 1 Pahar (3 hours) after lightning strikes.
  6. Chupak (Twilight Combination): Prohibited during the first Pahar of the night if the twilight's glow (sandhya prabha) and moonlight (chandra prabha) combine on the first, second, or third day of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha).
  7. Yakshadipta (Illuminated by Yaksha): Prohibited if a bright light, like lightning, appears in any direction.
  8. Ghumik Krishan (Dark Fog): Prohibited during the months of Kartik to Maha (approx. Oct-Feb) if a fine, smoky, water-like mist occurs.
  9. Mahika Shwet (White Fog): Prohibited during winter if a white, water-like mist appears.
  10. Rajodghat (Dust Storm): Prohibited if strong winds from all directions lift excessive dust, obscuring the sun.
- (2) Related to the Physical Body (Audarik Sharir Sambandhi - 10 instances): 11. Bones, Flesh, Blood (Haddki, Mans, Rudhir): Prohibited if these three (or remnants of them) are not completely burnt by fire, not washed by water, and are visible. 12. Broken Egg: Prohibited if a broken egg is present. 13. Feces and Urine (Mal-Mutra): Prohibited as long as they are visible or their foul smell persists. 14. Cremation Ground (Smashan): Prohibited within 100 hands (hath) around a cremation ground. 15. Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan): Prohibited for a minimum of 8 Muhurtas and a maximum of 12 Muhurtas during a lunar eclipse. 16. Solar Eclipse (Surya Grahan): Prohibited for a minimum of 12 Muhurtas and a maximum of 16 Muhurtas during a solar eclipse. 17. Royal Uprising (Rajavyudgat): Prohibited for 1 day and 1 night during or immediately after a conflict between kings or rulers in the vicinity. 18. Fall/Death of a Great King (Patan): Prohibited until the cremation ceremony of a great king or national figure is completed. Also, high-pitched study is prohibited until a successor is appointed. 19. Physical Body (Audarik Sharir): Prohibited if a dead body of a five-sensed being (panchendriya jiva) lies within the Upashraya (monastery) or within 100 hands outside, as long as the body remains. 20. Mahotsav and Pratipada (Festivals and First Day of Moon Phase - 8 instances): Prohibited on the full moon days of Ashadh (Bhoot Mahotsav), Ashwin (Indra Mahotsav), Kartik (Skandh Mahotsav), Chaitra (Yaksha Mahotsav), and the four subsequent days of the dark half of the moon (Pratipada - Ekam). This totals eight days of prohibition.
Page 7 & 10 (Final Note): The rules regarding "Aswadhyaya" (prohibited study times) are for the original text (mul path). They are not applicable to translations in languages like Gujarati. The text emphasizes that vinay (respect and humility) is the root of Dharma, and in difficult situations, one should follow the wishes and commands of the Guru or elders.

III. Table of Contents (Vishayanukramanika) - Volume 1:

Page 11 & 12: Provides a detailed table of contents for Part 01 of the Surya Pragnapti Sutra, outlining the structure and topics covered. This includes:
- Mangalacharan (Auspicious Invocation)
- Prastavik Kathan (Introductory Statement)
- Veesh Praabhrt ka Adhikar (Authority of Twenty Sections/Chapters)
- Detailed breakdown of Prabhut (sections) within the larger sections, covering topics related to the sun and its characteristics. The sutra number (Sutras 1-3) is also indicated for the initial sections.

IV. Mangalacharan (Auspicious Invocation):

Page 13: Begins with verses in Sanskrit, offering salutations to Lord Jin (Jina). It praises the Lord's feet, which are adorned with the reflections of jewels from the crowns of Indra and other celestial beings. It highlights the science (vigyan) that leads beings out of the cycle of birth and death to eternal bliss. It also praises the omniscient knowledge (Kevalgyan) of Lord Mahavir, who is victorious and praised by Lord Sudharma Swami, the disciple who compiled Mahavir's teachings.
Page 14: Continues the commentary (Tika) on the verses. It explains that the author, Ghasilal Muni, is writing the commentary named "Suryagyaapti Prakashika" on the "Surya Pragnapti Sutra" through divine grace and discerning intellect.
Page 15 & 16: The commentary explains the initial verses describing the city of Mithila, its prosperity, the king Jitshatru, Queen Dharini, and the presence of Lord Mahavir at the Mani-Bhadra Chaitya. The description of Mithila is detailed, emphasizing its wealth, population, and aesthetic beauty.
Page 17 & 18: Continues the description of Mithila, the location of the Mani-Bhadra Chaitya (likely a temple or sacred grove), and introduces King Jitshatru and Queen Dharini. It notes that the descriptions of the Chaitya and the royal couple are further detailed in the "Aupapatika Sutra." The text then describes the arrival of Lord Mahavir, the discourse on Dharma, and the departure of the assembly and the king.
Page 19 & 20: Introduces the second sutra (Sutras 2 & 3) which begins with the question posed by Gautam Swami to Lord Mahavir regarding the sun's journey and characteristics. It details Gautam Swami's physical description based on Jain Agamas, emphasizing his noble lineage and perfection.
Page 21 & 22: Continues the discussion on Gautam Swami's physical perfection and introduces the series of 20 questions (Prabhutas) posed by him to the Lord concerning the sun, moon, celestial bodies, time, and related astronomical phenomena.
Page 23 & 24: Details the first four questions of the twenty:
1. How many mandalas (orbits/spheres) does the sun traverse? (Kai mandalai vachchai?)
2. How does it move sideways (tiryaka)? (Tirachchha kim cha gachchhai?)
3. How much area does it illuminate? (Oabhasai kevaiyam?)
4. What is the nature of its whiteness (white color)? (Seyai kim te santhiti?) It clarifies that "mandala" refers to the sun's path and its appearance.
Page 25 & 26: Continues with questions 5 through 10: 5. Where does the Lāśyā (subtle matter associated with beings' karma) get obstructed? (Kahin pratihata lesya?) 6. What is the nature of its brilliance (ojas)? (Kahaṁ te ojas sansthiti?) 7. What encircles the sun? (Kahaṁ suryam varayate?) - potentially referring to its orbit or surrounding elements. 8. How is its rising structured (uday sansthiti)? (Kathaṁ te uday sansthiti?) 9. How much is the shadow (chhaya) of a Paurush (a specific unit of measurement related to body height)? (Kaṭhaka porusī chhaya?) 10. What is 'Yoga' (union/combination) declared to be? (Yoge kim te va ākhyāta?)
Page 27 & 28: Continues with questions 11 through 20: 11. What is the beginning of the year (samvatsar)? (Kim te saṁvatsareṇādi?) 12. How many years are there? (Kati saṁvatsarā cha?) 13. How does the moon grow (vṛddhi)? (Kathaṁ candramaso vuḍḍhī?) 14. When is its radiance (jyotsna) abundant? (Kadā te dosiṇā bahu?) 15. What is declared to be swift-moving? (Ke sighgati vutte?) 16. What is the characteristic of its radiance (jyotsna lakshaṇam)? (Kahaṁ dosiṇalakṣaṇaṁ?) 17. What is the departure (chyavan) and arrival (upapat)? (Chayanoopapāta?) - referring to the celestial bodies' movements. 18. What is its height (uchchatva)? (Uccattvam?) 19. How many suns are mentioned? (Sūriyā kati āhitāḥ?) 20. What is the influence (anubhava) that is declared? (Anubhāvaḥ ko va samuktaḥ?)
Page 29 & 30: Introduces the concept of "Prabhuta" (sections within sections) and lists the first eight "Prabhuta Prabhuta" within the first "Prabhuta." These questions are about the increase and decrease of hours (muhurta), the configuration of half-mandals, the interplay of different suns, the extent of movement, the time of day or night for celestial events, and their arrangements.
Page 31 & 32: Continues explaining the meaning of "Prabhuta" as a gift or offering of knowledge from Tirthankaras and Ganadharas to the followers of Jainism. It then lists the remaining Prabhutas within the first Prabhuta, bringing the total to 32 questions.
Page 33 & 34: Discusses the distribution of these questions into four groups of four, forming five "Prabhuta Prabhutas" within the first main section. It then delves into the meaning of specific terms like "Bhedghata" (describing movement between paths) and "Karnakala" (a measure of time or movement).
Page 35 - 45: This extensive section provides a detailed explanation of the calculation of "Muhurtas" (a unit of time) within different celestial cycles (Nakshatra Masa, Surya Masa, Chandra Masa). The text goes into complex mathematical calculations involving Yugas, Ahoratras, Muhurtas, and their interrelationships, demonstrating the Jain cosmological and astronomical knowledge.
Page 46 - 53: Explains the concept of the sun's movement through different "mandals" (spheres or paths). It describes how the sun leaves one mandala and enters another, and how this movement relates to the length of day and night throughout the year, specifically mentioning the Uttara-ayana (northern solstice) and Dakshinayana (southern solstice). The calculation of day and night lengths based on these movements is also discussed.
Page 54 - 67: Continues the detailed explanation of the sun's movement through mandalas, the calculation of the distance covered by the sun in a specific time unit (e.g., per Muhurta), and how these movements and distances determine the length of day and night. The text delves into mathematical computations to explain these phenomena.
Page 68 - 97: This section continues the detailed explanation of the sun's movement through different mandalas, focusing on the southward and northward transitions (Dakshinardha and Uttarardha). It meticulously explains the distances and time units involved in these movements, often referencing the Jambu Dweep description from other scriptures. The text also highlights the differing views of various philosophical schools (Tirthantariyas) on these matters and presents the author's (Ghasilal Maharaj's) perspective based on Jain principles. The mathematical calculations and astronomical descriptions are extensive.
Page 98 - 179: This substantial portion of the text provides the commentary (Tika) on various sutras, particularly focusing on the questions posed by Gautam Swami. It elaborates on:
- The various opinions of different philosophical schools (Tirthantariyas) regarding the sun's movement, its path (mandals), and the associated calculations.
- The author's refutation of these differing views and the presentation of the correct Jain perspective.
- Detailed explanations of astronomical concepts like Lāśyā, Ojas, the sun's path, shadow measurement, Yoga, the start of the year, and the characteristics of the moon.
- The complex mathematical calculations related to distances, time units (Muhurtas), and the relative positions of celestial bodies within the Jain universe.

V. Key Jain Concepts Mentioned:

Navkar Mahamantra: The foundational prayer in Jainism.
Agam Sutras: The canonical scriptures of Jainism.
Tirthankaras and Ganadharas: The spiritual guides and disseminators of Jain teachings.
Dharma: The path of righteousness and spiritual liberation.
Vinay: Respect, humility, and proper conduct, considered essential for spiritual progress.
Karma: The principle of action and reaction, affecting one's destiny.
Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Panchindriya Jiva: A being with five senses, referring to the complex life forms.
Upashraya: A place of religious discourse and retreat for monks and nuns.

Overall Purpose:

The provided text, specifically the initial pages, meticulously details the adherence to specific rules and times for studying the sacred Surya Pragnapti Sutra, emphasizing the importance of respect (vinay) and discipline in scriptural study. The extensive explanations in the commentary (Tika) indicate the sutra's focus on Jain cosmology and astronomy, with detailed descriptions of the sun's movements, its path through various celestial spheres (mandals), and complex calculations of time and space within the Jain universe, as interpreted by different schools of thought and ultimately elucidated by the author.